To determine who the NFL's best kicker was during the 2012 season, our team of experienced scouts looked largely at production, rather than mechanics or traits. This is the same method used by NFL front offices when scouting college and NFL kickers. If it works for them, it works for us.

It is a departure from how we handle most positions in this second edition of the B/R NFL 1,000. Our other rankings, except for punters, judge players based on our study of their skills on film, not their numbers on a page.

Kickers were scored for a maximum 100 points based on an equal split between kicking accuracy and power. Field goals were broken down into tiers—under 30 yards, 31-39 yards, 40-49 yards and 50-plus yards. We then calculated percentages for each kicker in these tiers.

It is important to note that we didn't penalize kickers if they missed attempts from an impossible range. We call this the "Greg Zuerlein rule": penalizing a kicker for a missed 63-yard attempt seems silly. That means a player with a lower field-goal percentage won't necessarily have a lower "accuracy" score than a player with a higher percentage.

In the case of ties, I have asked myself, "Which player would I rather have on my team?" and set the rankings accordingly. Subjective? Yes. But ties are no fun.

32. Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers

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Field-Goal Accuracy

20/50

Mason Crosby wasn’t himself in 2012. His 63.6 percent accuracy rating was the worst of any full-time kicker. The lowest-rated kicker from 2012, Crosby’s poor accuracy couldn’t be helped by his good power and range.

Field-Goal Power

39/50

Crosby is known for his big leg from his college days, but in 2012 his range was a bit off. He went just 2-of-9 from beyond 50 yards. The power is there, but the accuracy was not, and that hurts his overall score.

Overall

59/100

The Packers seem loyal to Crosby, but some competition in the offseason is likely. Crosby will be given one more chance to prove the 2012 season was a fluke.

30. Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis Colts

Jim Rogash/Getty Images (graphic: B/R)

Field-Goal Accuracy

30/50

Once an automatic kicker no matter the conditions, Adam Vinatieri struggled with accuracy, hitting just 78.8 percent of his attempts in 2012. Perhaps most troubling was his 4-of-7 record on attempts between 30 and 39 yards.

Field-Goal Power

38/50

Still a powerful kicker, Vinatieri can boom the ball on one-off kicks, but his consistency has dropped off. His long of 53 isn’t bad, but it’s not remarkable either. Going 4-of-7 beyond 50 yards didn't help his case much.

Overall

68/100

A future Hall of Famer, Vinatieri is no longer as reliable or as powerful as he used to be. A storied career could be nearing an end.

29. Matt Prater, Denver Broncos

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Field-Goal Accuracy

31/50

The No. 26-rated kicker in terms of accuracy from 2012, Matt Prater hit on 81.3 percent of his kicks. That’s not good enough for a playoff team. Prater missed four of his nine attempts between 40-49 yards.

Field-Goal Power

38/50

Prater’s range in the thin air of Denver’s altitude should make for long-kicking success, though he only had four attempts beyond 50 yards, going 3-of-4. Prater’s 53-yard long and his few attempts deep kept our team from upping his power score.

Overall

69/100

Prater had a poor 2012 season, but it didn’t keep the Broncos from winning the No. 1 seed in the AFC. He’s talented enough to bounce back with a better 2013.

27. Garrett Hartley, New Orleans Saints

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Field-Goal Accuracy

32/50

Garrett Hartley kicks in a dome and is supported by a high-profile offense. That said, his 81.8 percent on field-goal attempts wasn’t good enough. That puts him at No. 22 overall and is a part of the Saints’ struggles in 2012.

Field-Goal Power

38/50

Hartley was 5-of-7 beyond 40 yards this past season, a very low number of attempts from that range. His long kick of 53 yards was about average, but this was a poor year from Hartley in terms of range and power.

Overall

70/100

A better kicker than his 2012 season would indicate, Hartley should bounce back in 2013 with better game management and more consistency around him.

26. Rob Bironas, Tennessee Titans

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Field-Goal Accuracy

33/50

Rob Bironas just signed a deal to stay with the Tennessee Titans. They must be hoping he reverts back to 2011 form. Bironas made just 80.6 percent of his kicks last season. That would be good for No. 26 overall.

Field-Goal Power

38/50

Bironas showed some power with a 53-yard long on the year, but we were troubled by his range and accuracy beyond 40 yards. He had six misses on the year from 12 attempts beyond 40 yards. That doesn’t show the range and accuracy we wanted.

Overall

71/100

Bironas is a big-money kicker now, and he needs to play like it. He has to nail down the inconsistency that cost him on longer kicks this past season. Bironas is better than his 2012 season.

Overall

24. Dan Carpenter, Miami Dolphins

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Field-Goal Accuracy

33/50

With just 81.5 percent of kicks made last season, Dan Carpenter ranked No. 24 overall on the season. Carpenter was much better if you look at his accuracy inside of 50 yards, but he was too inconsistent for our liking.

Field-Goal Power

38/50

A long of 53 yards put Carpenter in the middle of the pack on the year. Carpenter was also just 2-of-5 from beyond 50 yards, showing that power isn’t his game.

Overall

71/100

Carpenter and the field-goal team weren’t a strength for the Dolphins in 2012. His overall accuracy and range were limited.

22. Alex Henery, Philadelphia Eagles

Field-Goal Accuracy

39/50

Alex Henery made 87.1 percent of his attempts, which was a step back from his 88.9 percent mark of 2011. He was the NFL's No. 14-ranked field goal kicker in 2012.

Field-Goal Power

34/50

Henery’s long of 49 yards was the shortest of any kicker to make our top 32. He doesn’t show the power or range to be effective on longer attempts. The Eagles had him try beyond 50 yards just once all season.

Overall

73/100

Henery is a good short-range kicker, but his lack of distance and power are a pretty sizable liability.

21. Ryan Succop, Kansas City Chiefs

Field-Goal Accuracy

Ryan Succop didn’t miss on his two attempts beyond 50 yards, but he was troubled from 20 to 49 yards, with six misses on 32 attempts. That was good for No. 21-ranked accuracy.

Field-Goal Power

37/50

A long of 52 on the year wasn’t great, but it puts Succop in the middle of the pack. He was a perfect 2-of-2 on 50-yard attempts, but he has limited range beyond low 50-yard attempts.

Overall

74/100

The Chiefs had a lot of problems in 2012, and Succop’s accuracy was one of them. An average kicker with limited range this past season, Succop has to show better short-to-intermediate accuracy in 2013.

20. Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots

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Field-Goal Accuracy

37/50

Stephen Gostkowski’s 2012 season wasn’t his best. His missed six kicks on the year—two between 30-39 yards and four between 40-49 yards. That’s uncommon for a player we ranked as one of the best in 2011.

Field-Goal Power

38/50

Gostkowski is more of a precision and at times clutch kicker not known for his power and range. He’ll hit the rare 55-yarder but is a much safer bet around the 50-yard mark on field-goal attempts.

Overall

75/100

As the Patriots kicker, Gostkowski gets a lot of national attention, but his 2012 season was below average for his standards.

18. Robbie Gould, Chicago Bears

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Field-Goal Accuracy

36/50

Robbie Gould has to kick in some crazy weather conditions, but even on the road his accuracy was just average in 2012. He made just 84 percent of his attempts on the season, including four misses inside of 50 yards.

Field-Goal Power

39/50

Gould showed better power than accuracy this season, but he’s still a limited distance kicker. The Bears had him attempt just two field goals longer than 50 yards. Gould is much better around 45 yards.

Overall

75/100

Gould saw his accuracy drop to 84 percent in 2012 and saw his range diminish too. While Gould was a top-ranked deep threat in 2011, this season was merely average.

17. Josh Scobee, Jacksonville Jaguars

Field-Goal Accuracy

Josh Scobee missed just three kicks on the year, good for No. 10 overall at 89.3 percent made. Scobee is very good inside of 50 yards but missed two kicks in the 40-49-yard range.

Field-Goal Power

35/50

A limited kicker in terms of power, Scobee doesn’t show elite ability to drill long kicks or extend the scoring range of the team. He’s shaky outside of 50 yards and really shouldn’t be asked to attempt kicks outside of that range.

Overall

76/100

Scobee does a good job inside his comfort zone. When the head coach knows his kicker doesn’t have great range, it’s best not to test it, and that’s the bottom line with Scobee. Use him inside of 50 yards and you have a very good kicker.

16. Rian Lindell, Buffalo Bills

Field-Goal Accuracy

Ranked No. 13 on the year with 87.5 percent of his kicks made, Rian Lindell gets one of our higher scores for accuracy. He was deadly inside 50 yards, missing on just one of his 15 attempts.

Field-Goal Power

35/50

Lindell was accurate on short kicks, but his lack of range showed up both in attempts and makes. He was only asked to attempt two kicks beyond 50 yards—and this was on a team without a great offense. Lindell’s range is safely in the high 40-yard area, but nothing farther.

Overall

77/100

Lindell is a good kicker with limited range. If you are comfortable with an offense that can get your kicker in range often, he’s excellent, but what Lindell won’t do is extend the scoring range of your offense if the unit struggles.

15. Steven Hauschka, Seattle Seahawks

Field-Goal Accuracy

41/50

An 88.9 percent kicker on the year, Steven Hauschka did a good job in pressure situations inside the 50-yard range. He was a perfect 23-of-23 on attempts inside of 50 yards.

Field-Goal Power

37/50

Hauschka’s limitations came on distance kicks. He was 1-of-4 on attempts over 50 yards and had a long of just 52 yards. The Seahawks are smart to punt in situations where the attempt would be over that 52-yard mark.

Overall

78/100

A very good kicker with balanced range and accuracy, the Seahawks know where they stand with Hauschka and can feel that they have one of the game’s best inside of 50 yards.

14. Nick Novak, San Diego Chargers

Field-Goal Accuracy

Nick Novak made 90 percent of his kicks in 2012, good for No. 8 overall. He was a perfect 16-of-16 inside 50 yards, showing off very good consistency and precision on shorter kicks.

Field-Goal Power

36/50

One knock on Novak’s game is his lack of range. He attempted just four kicks longer than 50 yards and missed two of them. His long on the year was just 51 yards.

Overall

78/100

An accurate short-range kicker, Novak is a little limited in his range for our liking. He’s excellent when the offense can get him inside 50 yards, but late in the game you’re always worrying about his distance.

13. Shaun Suisham, Pittsburgh Steelers

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Field-Goal Accuracy

42/50

Ranked No. 7 on the year with 90.3 percent of his kicks made, Shaun Suisham was one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL during the 2012 season. Were it not for his two misses beyond 50 yards, Suisham would have had just one miss on the year.

Field-Goal Power

37/50

Suisham was 1-of-3 from beyond 50 yards with a long of just 52 yards. His range is closer to the high 40s and nothing further. The Steelers don’t use Suisham on kicks beyond that range often.

Overall

79/100

A good short-game kicker, Suisham doesn’t possess the power to make tough kicks outside of 50 yards.

12. Jason Hanson, Detroit Lions

Field-Goal Accuracy

41/50

A field-goal percentage of 88.9 percent was good for No. 11 in the NFL last season. Hanson had four misses on the year, all beyond 40 yards.

Field-Goal Power

38/50

Hanson made all 14 of his attempts inside 40 yards, but once tested, his range and accuracy dipped. An aging kicker who benefits from kicking inside, Hanson’s power is gradually fading when asked to take on longer field goals.

Overall

79/100

The 42-year-old kicker was in the upper half of NFL kickers in 2012, but his longevity and decreased range make him a liability at times.

Overall

10. Matt Bryant, Atlanta Falcons

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Field-Goal Accuracy

41/50

A dome kicker, Matt Bryant’s accuracy was solid in 2012 as he connected on 86.8 percent of his kicks—not great, but not bad either. Bryant was mostly automatic inside 40 yards, but he struggled when his range was extended.

Field-Goal Power

40/50

Three of Bryant’s five misses on the year came on attempts beyond 40 yards. What we did like was his perfect score from beyond 50 yards—4-of-4—and his ability under pressure.

Overall

81/100

Bryant was consistent all season, helping the Atlanta Falcons to the NFC’s best record and home-field advantage in the playoffs.

8. Dan Bailey, Dallas Cowboys

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Field-Goal Accuracy

48/50

Dan Bailey’s accuracy in 2012 was second best among any field-goal kicker who played in more than three games. He connected on 93.5 percent of his kicks with just two misses on the year—both beyond 50 yards.

Field-Goal Power

36/50

Bailey kicks in a dome, which helps limit the elements that would affect his craft. He’s also not tested outside his range often. Bailey attempted just five kicks over 50 yards, making three. His long on the year was a pedestrian 51 yards.

Overall

84/100

One of the game’s most accurate field-goal kickers among eligible players, Bailey was 29-of-31 on the year, but his lack of power and range keeps him down on our board.

7. Connor Barth, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Field-Goal Accuracy

43/50

Connor Barth ranked No. 16 overall in field-goal accuracy, finishing with 84.8 percent of his kicks made on the year. Were it not for three missed kicks beyond 50 yards, Barth would have had just two misses on the year, though.

Field-Goal Power

41/50

Barth had a long field goal of 57 yards in 2012, and as mentioned above, he struggled with kicks over 50 yards. In previous seasons, his range has been in the mid-50-yard range.

Overall

84/100

Barth is a strong, accurate kicker who has been one of the most consistent in the NFL. His five total misses on the year knocked down his accuracy rating, but Barth is still almost automatic inside the 50-yard line.

6. Jay Feely, Arizona Cardinals

Field-Goal Accuracy

40/50

Jay Feely connected on 89.3 percent of his field-goal attempts in 2012, with his only misses coming between 30-50 yards.

Field-Goal Power

45/50

With a long of 61 yards this season, Feely showed good distance on field-goal attempts. He was a solid 2-of-2 from more than 50 yards on the year. Feely benefits from kicking indoors often, but his power is still top-notch.

Overall

85/100

Feely was solid all season for the Cardinals, and it was surprising (for an older player) that his power was actually better than his accuracy. Both were good enough to land him in our top six.

5. Greg Zuerlein, St. Louis Rams

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Field-Goal Accuracy

40/50

You probably heard about Greg “The Leg” Zuerlein this season. He started off red hot and received a ton of attention. While he is one of the most promising young kickers in the NFL, missed attempts between 30-39 and on 50-plus yards knock down his score.

Field-Goal Power

45/50

There is no doubting that Zuerlein has one of the biggest legs in the game, but how did he do when asked to use that leg power? Zuerlein finished the year with a 74.2 percent field-goal accuracy thanks to six misses over 50 yards. He definitely has range, but improving his accuracy and learning his limitations are key.

Overall

85/100

There was a certain hype surrounding Zuerlein this season, especially early in the year. He was asked to attempt the most 50-plus-yard field goals in the NFL last season, driving down his accuracy rating. While Zuerlein showed great potential, he also cost the team wins against Miami and San Francisco due to missed kicks.

4. Phil Dawson, Cleveland Browns

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Field-Goal Accuracy

48/50

One of the best outdoor kickers in the NFL, if not the best, Phil Dawson is a precision kicker in the elements. He nailed 93.5 percent of his field-goal attempts in 2012 and made 13-of-13 beyond 40 yards.

Field-Goal Power

38/50

Dawson’s leg strength has never been great, and as he ages that range shortens a bit. He’s an accurate kicker, like a golfer with an excellent chipper. Get him inside the 45 and he’s rarely missing.

Overall

86/100

Dawson may go down as one of the most consistent kickers of this generation. What he has been able to do consistently year after year is brilliant. His 2012 was too.

3. Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland Raiders

Field-Goal Accuracy

You might be surprised to see Sebastian Janikowski ranked so low in accuracy, but the numbers back it up. Janikowski connected on 91.2 percent of his kicks in 2012 but was 6-of-9 outside of 50 yards.

Field-Goal Power

49/50

Janikowski’s leg power is well known and rarely disappoints. His long on the year was a 57-yarder, but he’s shown in the past that he can make it beyond that range. Deep accuracy has always been a struggle, though. Janikowski is a good case study in leg power vs. deep accuracy.

Overall

88/100

One of the most powerful kickers in the NFL, Janikowski has excellent range and delivery. However, that range puts him in difficult situations.

2. Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens

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Field-Goal Accuracy

46/50

Justin Tucker wasn’t timid in his rookie season. The former Longhorn connected on 90.9 percent of his kicks—including a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond 50 yards. Tucker’s three misses on the year came from between 40-49 yards. Add in what Tucker did in the postseason and he was the second most accurate kicker in the NFL this season.

Field-Goal Power

43/50

Tucker showed that, for a little guy, he has a big leg. He nailed a 56-yarder for his longest of the regular season and was perfect on kicks longer than 50 yards.

Overall

89/100

The Ravens’ rookie kicker was a bright spot for the Super Bowl champions, showing poise under pressure and the leg to carry the team to victories.